An old friend

In the doorway was none other than Gendry Waters. Arya recognized him immediately, even though he looked so different. He was clean shaven now, though his hair was the same. Instead of the usual blacksmith's clothes, he wore the red leather of R'hllor. However, even leather armor couldn't hide his well built body. His muscles were even bigger than Arya had remembered, and she got wet just thinking about them. He had been her first love, one of her only friends.

And he had abandoned her. When they were with the Brotherhood without Banners, Gendry had chosen his "brothers" over her. She had been heartbroken, screaming at him and running away. That had been the last time she'd seen him, for she ran right into the Hound.

None of that mattered now. Before Gendry could even process seeing Arya again, she embraced him. Wrapping her arms around his muscular chest, she held him as close as she could.

It took a few moments for Gendry to realize what was going on. "Oh my god, Arya!" He finally exclaimed, returning the hug. "Why the hell are you here?"

"I joined yesterday," Arya replied, closing her eyes and pressing her face into his chest. "God, I thought I would never see you again!"

"Oh, how I love happy reunions," Melisandre said, taking a sip of wine. "While this is very touching, do sit down. It'd be a shame for all this food to go to waste."

While Arya would have gladly ignored the Red Woman, Gendry seemed to take the order more seriously, separating from Arya and taking a seat. Arya felt a little hurt, but did as she was bid.

The dinner was filled with conversation as Arya was filled in on everyone's story. She already knew most of Pod's, Tyrion's former squire who'd been plucked from the dungeons by Melisandre. Myrcella's was more interesting. Apparently, Davos Seaworth, a knight sworn to King Stannis, had snuck into Dorne and smuggled her to King's Landing. While she didn't say it outright, it was clear Melisandre had aided him in some way. Shireen didn't say much, leaving Arya still wondering why the King's daughter was eating next to former traitors.

However, it was Gendry's story that captivated Arya. He had stayed with the Brotherhood for a little longer after Arya left, helping search for her. Then Melisandre showed up, and practically bought poor Gendry from them. The betrayal of his brothers still seemed to sting, though against her will Arya couldn't feel sorry for him. Now you know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you trusted.

"Well that was a lovely meal," The red woman said, drinking the last of her wine. "You are dismissed. Off to bed." The other four apprentices got up and began to leave the room. Arya stood to join them, but Melisandre stopped her. "Arya, would you mind staying a little longer?" Arya nodded, giving Gendry a glance before sitting back down. Once the other acolytes had left, Melisandre spoke.

"My princess, I see you are quite infatuated with sweet Gendry." Arya opened her mouth in protest, but the Red Woman stood up, silencing her. "It's okay, lust and pleasure are R'hllor's will. I encourage you to indulge in them." She began walking around the table toward Arya, her gentle smile becoming more and more unsettling. "However, if you ever feel connected on a deeper level, feel as though you should be loyal to him, and he should be loyal to you. If you ever feel love." The Red Woman was standing over Arya now, the candlelight casting shadows across her face. "Remember that our first duty is to R'hllor. And that he will never love you." Arya, suddenly filled with rage, stood up, standing eye to eye with her teacher. Her anger turned to fear, though, as she gazed into Melisandre's piercing eyes.

"If he loved you," she whispered, "Would he have abandoned you? Would he have chosen a group of strangers over you. And if he was loyal to you, would he have fucked me, begged me to let him cum inside me, forsaking every other woman for me?" Arya needed to escape. Pushing past her teacher, she made for the door, tears welling in her eyes.

"It's alright," Melisandre soothed, her voice once again calm and comforting. "Go, find Gendry, I doubt he's gone far. Seduce him, fuck him, milk him for every last drop. But remember what I've said tonight."

Angry and hurt, Arya pushed to door open.